Crews Fight Brushfire Near 91 Freeway; Evacuations Ordered

CORONA, CA – A five-acre wildfire that broke out Thursday on a hillside in Corona spread quickly into a drainage area near homes, prompting brief evacuation orders and the deployment of a protective shield, with the aid of multiple air tankers and water-dropping helicopters.

The blaze was reported around 11:10 a.m. near the intersection of Palisades and Serfas Club drives, south of the Riverside (91) Freeway.

Corona and Riverside County fire crews were sent to the location, along with crews from the cities of Anaheim and Riverside providing mutual aid, according to reports from the scene.

Flames raced toward the backyards of homes on Juniper and Bayberry drives, and Corona police officers initiated evacuations at those locations, as well as on Amber Circle, Amber Drive, Camellia Court, Cattail Drive, Dogwood Drive, Huckleberry Drive, Nutmeg Drive, Silkwood Drive, Via Cielo Drive, Via Corazon Drive, Via La Brisa Lane, Vista Lomas Lane and Via Viento Lane.

The mandatory evacuation orders were promptly lifted around 12:15 p.m.

The enclave is known as the Sierra Del Oro community.

A battalion chief at the scene said crews formed a defensive perimeter to protect the properties.

Air support was being provided by Cal Fire crews based at Hemet-Ryan Airport.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

• ALSO SEE: Cranston Fire: 92% Containment; All Evacuations To Be Lifted

--City News Service contributed to this report/Image via Shutterstock